The history of olive oil has its roots in the cradle of civilization. For millennia, olives have been providing food, medicine and means of livelihood to people of different countries and cultures.
In Ancient Greece, olive oil was known as an ‘elixir of youth and health’, and only rich people and the nobility could afford to enjoy it for food. People believed olive trees were a gift from the gods and cutting them was even punishable by death. The rulers of the Roman Empire perfected and spread olive cultivation throughout the Mediterranean, stimulating a vibrant olive oil industry and trade.
The sacred olive tree and its oil gave birth to a diversity of fascinating legends, traditions and cultural motifs. Eternalised in classical works of world art, literature and architecture, they will never cease to inspire future generations.
